XBiotech's 'True Human' Antibody Xilonix Hits the Spot for Cachexia

Austin-based XBiotech Inc. is launching its first Phase III trial, for its antibody Xilonix (MABp1), after announcing Wednesday that the monoclonal antibody received fast-track designation by the FDA.

Xilonix will be tested for the treatment of cachexia, a wasting syndrome that can occur with cancer as well as other chronic diseases. In the Phase II trial that was the basis of the fast-track designation, about a third of patients responded to the antibody. And those that did not only started building muscle, but had increased survival as well.